Where should you get a guinea pig? Instead of creating more demand for guinea pigs by purchasing one from a pet store, please visit your local animal shelter to adopt one—or better yet, two! Most shelters accept small animals who need new homes and you will have the satisfaction of saving a life.

How do you make your parents get you a guinea pig?

Try stating logical facts to convince your parents. Tell them that two guinea pigs is healthier than one, since they are social animals. And a cage for one guinea pig is often suitable for 2 (7 square meters). Offer to pay for the guinea pig yourself and give them time to wait out the decision.

Do guinea pigs stink?

In a nutshell, guinea pigs shouldn’t smell. If they are giving off an unpleasant odour, it’s usually a sign that the cage isn’t clean, their diet is wrong, they’re sick, or they’re struggling to groom themselves. Also, boars may smell more than sows because of an oily buildup around the grease gland.

Are guinea pigs good house pets?

Guinea pigs are great pets for children. Not as fragile as rabbits and generally less skittish than smaller rodents like hamsters and gerbils, guinea pigs are wonderful pets for elementary-school-age kids and older.

How much does it cost to buy a guinea pig?

Guinea pigs are pretty cheap to buy, costing anywhere from $10 to $40, with the average price of a guinea pig being around $25. However, they also have setup and ongoing costs. Expect to fork out $200 to begin with, and then up to another $40 a month for a pair of piggies.

Are guinea pigs potty trained?

Guinea pigs can be trained to go to the bathroom in a litter box. Some get the hang of it quickly, while some never learn. That’s just how it is. Just remember that it’s not your guinea pig’s fault if they poop outside the litter box – sometimes they can have accidents or simply forget.

Why you shouldn't get a guinea pig?

In my opinion, these feral rodents come top of any worst pet chart. One: they die all the time. … Your fluffy pet will become bald and scabby overnight and become prone to seizures. Five: their teeth are another hazard – if they get too long, they can grow together and the guinea pig will starve to death.

Do guinea pigs pee?

Overall, guinea pigs usually urinate in the same spot in their habitat, but feces can land anywhere. No two guinea pigs are alike, however. … Some people work to train their guinea pigs not to pee on them. A basic guideline when holding your guinea pig is to limit lap time to about 15 minutes.

Are girl or boy guinea pigs nicer?

Generally speaking, guinea pig pet parents have found that male guinea pigs tend to be a little more confident or bolder than females. This can sometimes lead to training males and being able to handle them a little easier than their shyer counterparts.

Do guinea pigs shed?

Guinea pigs usually have a lot of hair, and this sheds and regrows just as human hair does. During the springtime, you may notice that your guinea pig is shedding a lot more than usual. This is normal, as your guinea pig is getting rid of spare fur in order to remain nice and cool in the summer.

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Why should I get a guinea pig?

Guinea pigs as pets can be potty-trained, even though they have a small bladder. Guinea pigs have a good temperament. They are social creatures and love to have companions in their homes. Males grow larger, give off more odor, and might fight with each other.

How do you get your parents to get you a pet?

1. Plan out a daily routine. …
2. Show them how you plan to implement that routine. …
3. Prove to your parents that you’re responsible. …
4. Do your research. …
5. Figure out a way to help with the expenses that come with dog ownership. …
6. Talk up the pros of owning a dog.

What do guinea pigs eat?

Timothy hay: Provide an unlimited quantity of fresh timothy hay every day. Guinea pigs need continuous access to hay to aid their digestion and limit the growth of their teeth. Fruit and vegetables: Fresh vegetables can be offered once a day and should be equivalent to about one cup total per guinea pig per day.

How convince your parents?

1. First Do Something For Your Parents.
2. Make Them Compare Your Request To Something Even Bigger.
3. Convince Your Parents To Think Past The Sale.
4. Remind Them Of The Limited Time They Have With You. …
5. Ask For Something Small First: Commitment And Consistency.

Do you need 2 guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs are one of the largest rodents kept as pets and yet their typical cage is only marginally roomier than housing for much smaller relatives like hamsters and gerbils. … (Keep in mind that guinea pigs are highly social, so it is best to have at least two guinea pigs who get along with each other.)

Do guinea pigs prefer to live alone?

To summarise, a guinea pig can live alone, but ideally shouldn’t. This is because they are social animals that want and need the companionship of other guinea pigs. A piggy on its own requires a lot of care and interaction, which is why experts recommend keeping at least two guinea pigs together.

Do all guinea pigs like to be held?

Guinea pigs are social animals and enjoy human interaction, including petting, stroking and playing. However, it’s important you learn how to handle your guinea pig correctly to avoid any injuries. It’s not uncommon for guinea pigs to be skittish around their owners.

What is the easiest pet to take care of?

1. Birds.
2. Snakes. …
3. Sea Monkeys. …
4. Guinea pigs. …
5. Goldfish. Ahh, the goldfish. …
6. Cats. If you claim that you are not a “cat person”, have you ever tried owning a cat? …
7. Hamsters. Taking care of a hamster is easy once they have the proper cage. …

What are the cons of having a guinea pig?

• Guinea Pigs Are Fragile. …
• Guinea Pigs Need a Well-balanced Diet. …
• Guinea Pigs Need Daily Care and Affection. …
• Guinea Pigs Are Homebound. …
• Odor. …
• Guinea Pigs Can Be Timid. …
• Guinea Pigs Cannot Stay Unattended Outside of Their Cages. …
• Guinea Pig Maintenance Can be Expensive.

How often do you clean a guinea pig cage?

A guinea pig’s habitat should be completely cleaned at least once a week.

Do guinea pigs use a wheel?

Exercise balls and wheels are deadly for guinea pigs. These activities may be appropriate for some pocket pets like rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters, but they should never be used for guinea pigs. … Also, exercise balls are also too enclosed and do not provide enough air circulation which can lead to heat stroke.

Why does my guinea pig pee on me?

Guinea pigs pee on people for a variety of reasons, including nervousness, displeasure, dominance, and simply an overly full bladder. The most common reason is they just can’t hold it. While annoying, the phenomenon of a guinea pig peeing on a human is entirely normal.

Do female guinea pigs get periods?

Female guinea pigs have estrous cycles in which they go into heat several times a year for several days, with different stages. However, they don’t experience bleeding or periods as in a menstrual cycle. While they are in heat, they are fertile and go through spontaneous ovulation.

Can you have 2 guinea pigs in the same cage?

Yes, as long the cage is big enough for two cavies. Guinea Pigs are social animals and housing them together can prevent loneliness. When they first meet or move in together they may need to assert dominance. It’s rare that fights break out and even rarer that two male Pigs aren’t compatible but it does happen.

What are good names for a guinea pig?

• Bacon.
• Chomper.
• Fluffy.
• Goliath.
• Hamlet.
• Inky.
• Patches.
• Piglet.

Why does my guinea pig squeak when I pet him?

Here are some examples: Whistling: Guinea pigs will often let out a high pitched squeal or whistle, and this noise means your furry friend is excited, perhaps about feeding time or playtime. … A deep, relaxed one means your guinea pig is content, while a higher pitched one is more likely a sound of annoyance.

Why do guinea pigs eat their poop?

Is It Normal For Guinea Pigs To Eat Their Poop? Yes, it is a completely normal and natural activity for guinea pigs to eat their cecotropes. They eat to get necessary fiber and vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin K.

How often do guinea pigs sleep?

Some guinea pigs sleep a total of nine and a half hours each 24-hour cycle. Guinea pigs are very active animals. They are vocal and always seem to have something to chew on. Fun fact: A guinea pig chews at a rate of 200 times per minute!

Do guinea pigs need shots?

While guinea pigs do not require any vaccinations, it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs at least once each year for a routine checkup.

Are guinea pigs hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, guinea pigs aren’t hypoallergenic. All piggies release the proteins that can cause allergies, so a hairless guinea pig could trigger an allergic reaction as much as any other. Keep in mind that no warm-blooded animal is completely hypoallergenic.

Do guinea pigs get GREY hair?

Aging guinea pigs may develop some of the same ailments or characteristics as aging humans. These include cataracts, stroke, heart attacks, arthritis, dementia and graying (guinea pigs may develop gray fur around the nose and mouth). In the last 10 years, tumors are becoming more and more common in guinea pigs.